THE NHS has expanded its mpox vaccination programme across England, opening 12 new sites to improve access for those at higher risk of infection. This move ensures that every region in England can now offer the vaccine, following its initial rollout in London, Manchester, and Brighton.
Mpox is a rare infection that spreads through close physical contact with blisters or scabs. Symptoms typically appear within 5–21 days and include fever, headache, swollen glands, and a rash that develops into painful blisters. Although case numbers have remained low since the 2022 outbreak, health officials stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further transmission.
The newly opened sites are in Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Sunderland, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Preston, Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, and Hatfield. These locations join the existing 19 vaccination centres, providing greater accessibility for eligible individuals. The mpox vaccine is available to men who have sex with men and engage in high-risk activities, as well as staff at sex-on-premises venues.
NHS National Director for Vaccination and Screening, Steve Russell, reassured the public that the NHS is prepared to respond to new cases, including the recently detected Clade 1b mpox. While the overall risk remains low, vaccination remains a key preventive measure. Sema Mandal, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) emphasised that mpox can cause severe symptoms and urged those eligible to take advantage of the expanded programme. Minister of State for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, echoed this sentiment, encouraging people to get vaccinated at their nearest site.
With new vaccination sites now operational, eligible individuals can access the vaccine more easily, reinforcing public health efforts to keep mpox transmission under control.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
NHS England. NHS opens new mpox vaccination sites across England. 2025. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/02/nhs-opens-new-mpox-vaccination-sites-across-england/. Last accessed: 6 February 2025.
